LG Portable Navigator LN740

*Est. $400

Reviewed by ConsumerSearch

Pros

The LG Portable Navigator LN740 has great routing performance, according to reviews.. The sleek form enables easy portability, and battery life is much better than average, say experts. The LG LN740 has text-to-speech functionality, which reviewers see as a virtue, even though the speaker volume is weak and enunciation could be better. Like other good units, it includes the SiRFstar III chipset and uses NAVTEQ maps. The points-of-interest database is extensive and includes good search tools.

Cons

Reviewers have two major complaints. First, the display is not as bright as those on competing products, and the resolution is unusually low for the size. Second, if you want to use the FM TMC traffic service (subscription required after three months), the antenna awkwardly mounts on the windshield. Some reviewers also criticize the lack of Bluetooth capability since similarly priced models have it.

Our Analysis
Specs

In recent years, Korean manufacturer LG has dived into all consumer electronics and appliance categories in the U.S. market. The LN740 auto GPS is targeted to the upper midrange of the market. Competitors include the Garmin nüvi 350 (*est. $300), Magellan Maestro 4040 (*est. $450) and Garmin StreetPilot c550 (*est. $300). With the SiRFstar III chipset, NAVTEQ maps, and a superior routing engine, the LN740 is competitive, according to reviewers, but a couple of issues prevent anyone from rating it the best in its class -- the display is not bright enough, and its resolution is too low.

GPS Magazine.com has the best review of the LG Portable Navigator LN740 auto GPS. Expert testing and evaluation, relevant comparisons, and refreshing objectivity are among the many strengths of the review. CNet.com and PC Magazine decently evaluate many aspects of usage, but presume buyers are more interested in features than performance. Other reviews are merely anecdotal, and we didn't find nearly as many owner-written reviews for the LG auto GPS as we did for other units.

Our Sources

1. GPSMagazine.com

The LG Portable Navigator LN740 impresses reviewer Fletch, who has tested many auto GPS receivers for GPS Magazine. After a comprehensive evaluation of LG's entry in the GPS market, Fletch concludes with long lists of pros and cons, and an assessment that the LN740's excellent routing engine, large points-of-interest database, and flexible routing options place this model among the top GPS units.

Review: LG Portable Navigator LN740 In-Depth Review, Fletch, 26-May-07

2. CNET

Although CNet's testing of the LG Portable Navigator LN740 is limited to a few trips in San Francisco (a mature city without cul-de-sacs, new streets, or other routing challenges), this is one of CNet's most useful reviews. It suggests a couple of alternative products and reasons for considering them.

Review: LG LN740 GPS Receiver, Bonnie Cha, 12-Jun-07

3. PCMag.com

Unlike some of Craig Ellison's reviews of new GPS units for PC Magazine, this review of the LG Portable Navigator LN740 GPS is almost entirely focused on features. Road testing and navigation accuracy are covered in just two sentences. The summary with pros and cons only addresses features.

Review: LG LN740 GPS Review, Craig Ellison, Aug. 15, 2007

4. Criticize This!

This blog entry by someone using a GPS device for the first time is essentially a longer-than-average user review. The review is sincere, but readers will have no idea whether to purchase the LG Portable Navigator LN740 or a competing product.

Review: Product Review: LG LN740 GPS Unit, B. McKechnie, Sept. 16, 2007

5. E-gear.com

The review of the LG Portable Navigator LN740 in this consumer technology magazine has more in common with a diary or blog entry than a magazine review. Grant Clauser describes his apparently brief experience with the unit in an entertaining story.

Review: Review: LG LN740 Portable Navigation Device, Grant Clauser, Sept. 17, 2007

6. Amazon.com

We only found two reviews of the LG auto GPS at Amazon.com -- not enough to draw any conclusions about overall owner satisfaction.

Review: LG LN740 Portable Navigation Device Reviews, Contributors to Amazon.com

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